Lib Dems celebrate outstanding year

A year of hard work by volunteers and outstanding successes for Taunton and Wellington Liberal Democrats was reported at the party’s annual meeting on Friday.

It took place at Taunton Rugby Club and was followed by a celebration dinner, attended by more than 130 people.

John Wakefield, chair, told the meeting that work to promote the Liberal Democrat message was more important than ever.

Highlights during the past year had included the opening of permanent offices in Taunton’s Tower Lane, which the local party shares with Gideon Amos MP.

There had also been a succession of by-election victories on Somerset Council, Taunton Town Council and, most recently, Wellington Town Council.

“These results indicate that we are on a bit of a roll but we definitely can’t be complacent,” said John. “They show how formidable and effective we are as a party when we all come together. Our Liberal Democrat values are very much alive and kicking.”

Presentations made at the AGM were: Tim Pugsley Award for individual achievement, Paul Adams; top deliverer, Angela Ashley; top canvasser, Cllr Tom Deakin.

Three Lib Dems MPs were speakers at the dinner which followed – Gideon Amos, Rachel Gilmour (Tiverton and Minehead) and Roz Savage (South Cotswolds).

Dr Savage also holds four Guinness World Records for ocean rowing and told of her exploits in becoming the first woman to row solo across three oceans.

The evening concluded with an auction conducted by Cllr Derek Perry.